Local legend 'Liberty Pete' remembered

Nov. 11, 2012

'Liberty Pete' Androutsos / Submitted

Written by

Jennifer Lusetti

For The Advocate

Some of Liberty's Pete's preserved beard. / Submitted

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Pete Androutsos, affectionately called Liberty Pete, moved to Newark in 1914.

A Greek immigrant, he proudly became an American citizen in 1926. One of Newark’s most celebrated inhabitants, Pete worked from the ground up: selling tamales, hotdogs and shoe shines to earn money for his business and charity work.

Pete worked hard to buy and run his restaurant, The Liberty Grill.

Liberty Pete gave back to the community in every way that he could. Newark was improved upon by his kindness.

Pete provided free Thanksgiving dinners and sent cigarettes to servicemen during World War II. Liberty Drive in Heath, is named after him. He was given countless awards and certificates of service and excellence.

In one of his more legendary moments, Pete swore to let his whiskers grow until World War II ended.

A platform was built specifically to celebrate Liberty Pete’s public beard removal.

South Second Street was closed and music filled the square for the spectacle. This sweet moment of patriotism should be remembered not only because the war ended, but because one American succeeded in bringing the community together in celebration.

Jennifer Lusetti is Office and Archives Assistant for the Licking County Historical Society.